Marcaine Spinal

Generic name: bupivacaine [ bue-PIV-a-kane ]
Brand names: Marcaine HCl, Marcaine Spinal, Sensorcaine, Sensorcaine-MPF
Drug class: Local injectable anesthetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 3, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Marcaine Spinal?

Marcaine Spinal is an anesthetic (numbing medicine) that is used as a local (in only one area) anesthetic.

Marcaine Spinal is given as an epidural injection into the spinal column to produce numbness during labor, surgery, or certain medical procedures.

Marcaine Spinal is also used as an anesthetic for dental procedures.

Marcaine Spinal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Marcaine Spinal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, red rash, itching; sneezing, difficulty breathing; severe dizziness, vomiting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling anxious, restless, confused, dizzy, drowsy, or like you might pass out;

• ringing in your ears, problems with speech or vision;

• metallic taste in your mouth, numbness or tingling around your mouth;

• muscle twitching, tremors, seizure (convulsions);

• weak or shallow breathing;

• fast heart rate, gasping, feeling unusually hot;

• slow heart rate, weak pulse; or

• little or no urination.

Seek medical attention right away if you develop a serious condition called methemoglobinemia. Symptoms include headache, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath, feeling tired or light-headed, or skin that looks pale, gray, or blue-colored.

Common side effects include:

• weakness, long-lasting numbness or tingling;

• feeling restless or drowsy;

• tremors;

• headache, blurred vision;

• fast or slow heartbeats;

• breathing problems;

• chills or shivering;

• back pain; or

• nausea, vomiting.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine.

Some epidural numbing medications can have long-lasting or permanent effects on certain body processes such as sexual function, bowel or bladder control, and movement or feeling in your legs or feet. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of nerve damage from Marcaine Spinal.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any type of numbing medicine, or if you've ever had:

• anemia (lack of red blood cells);

• kidney or liver disease;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

• syphilis, polio, a brain or spinal cord tumor;

• numbness or tingling;

• chronic back pain, headache caused by surgery;

• low or high blood pressure;

• abnormal curvature of the spine; or

• arthritis.

It is not known whether Marcaine Spinal will harm an unborn baby. If you are not receiving Marcaine Spinal during childbirth, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How is Marcaine Spinal given?

Marcaine Spinal is injected through a needle directly into or near the area to be numbed. You will receive this injection in a dental or hospital setting.

For an epidural, Marcaine Spinal is given as an injection through a needle placed into an area of your middle or lower back near your spine.

Your breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, or other vital signs will be watched closely.

For a dental procedure, Marcaine Spinal is injected directly into the mouth near the tooth or teeth your dentist will be working on.

Some epidural numbing medications can have long-lasting or permanent effects on certain body processes such as sexual function, bowel or bladder control, and movement or feeling in your legs or feet. Talk with your doctor about your specific risk of nerve damage from Marcaine Spinal.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Marcaine Spinal is given as needed before a surgery or dental procedure, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

Since Marcaine Spinal is given in a medical setting, you will be watched closely to make sure you do not receive too much of Marcaine Spinal. Your caregivers will quickly treat you if you have overdose symptoms.

What should I avoid after receiving Marcaine Spinal?

This medicine can cause numbness over a large portion of your body. After an epidural you not be able to feel or move your lower body. Take care to avoid injury while you are still numb.

After a dental procedure, avoid eating, chewing gum, or drinking a hot beverage until your mouth is no longer numb.

What other drugs will affect Marcaine Spinal?

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• an antidepressant or antipsychotic medication;

• anti-nausea medicine such as prochlorperazine (Compazine) or promethazine (Phenergan);

• blood pressure medicine--carteolol, carvedilol, labetalol, nadolol, propranolol, sotalol, timolol;

• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• ergot medicine--dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, ergonovine, methylergonovine; or

• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Marcaine Spinal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Related/similar drugs

lidocaine ophthalmic, cocaine nasal, cefotaxime, bupivacaine, ropivacaine, piperacillin, cefoxitin, cefotetan

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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